Closure

Abstract

A closure includes a rolling grille of the glazed type. A plurality of rods are pivotally retained in parallel, spaced-apart relationship by a plurality of strings of link assemblies. Each link assembly is formed by two identical link elements journaled upon adjacent rods in back to back relationship. A panel is disposed between each pair of adjacent rods and has its ends secured to attaching means integral with each link element. Ready fabrication and subsequent smooth quiet operation is assured by forming the link elements of a synthetic resin composition such as nylon plastic.

We claim: 
     
       1. A displaceable grille closure including, a plurality of parallel spaced apart rods, at leasttwo series of link assemblies joined to and maintaining said rods in said parallel relationship, each said series including a plurality of similar and axially aligned link assemblies, each said assembly having a tongue and a groove at opposite axial ends thereof and each provided with a transverse opening therethrough, said openings of said tongue and groove of adjacent said assemblies intermeshed and journaled about a common one of said rods, attachment means on each side of each said assembly and a panel having oposite end edges respectively connected to said attachment means of two laterally adjacent assemblies of said two series. 
     
     
       2. A grille closure according to claim 1 wherein, said rods are disposed horizontally and are provided with a smooth cylindrical periphery. 
     
     
       3. A grille closure according to claim 1 wherein, said link assemblies are non-metallic. 
     
     
       4. A grille closure according to claim 1 wherein, said panels are translucent. 
     
     
       5. A grille closure according to claim 1 wherein, said panels are transparent. 
     
     
       6. A grille closure according to claim 1 wherein, each said link assembly includes a pair of similar link elements disposed in back-to-back relationship. 
     
     
       7. A grille closure according to claim 1 wherein, said attachment means includes a pair of parallel flanges engaging opposite sides of each end of said panel, and fastener means disposed through said flanges and panel ends. 
     
     
       8. A grille closure according to claim 1 wherein, said panel substantially encloses the space between adjacent pairs of said rods and link assemblies. 
     
     
       9. A grille closure according to claim 2 including, a pair of vertical edge guide members spaced apart to define a door opening therebetween said guide members each provided with an inwardly directed channel, said rods having distal portions disposed respectively within said channels, and said end edge of said panels adjacent said guide members are disposed with said channels. 
     
     
       10. A grille closure according to claim 3 wherein, said link assemblies are of synthetic resinous composition. 
     
     
       11. A grille closure according to claim 6 wherein, each said link element includes a longitudinal main body having a tongue segment and groove segment extending from opposite ends thereof, said two segments laterally offset from the central longitudinal axis of said main body whereby, each said link assembly includes said tongue segments of a pair of said link elements justaposed to form said assembly tongue and said groove segments of said pair of elements are laterally spaced apart to form said assembly groove therebetween. 
     
     
       12. A grille closure according to claim 9 including, a bottom bar suspended from the lowestmost one of said rods and having outer edges disposed adjacent said guide members, an end plug affixed to each said bar outer edge and projecting into said guide member channel and means on each said end plug pivotally engaging said lowestmost rod. 
     
     
       13. A grille closure according to claim 11, wherein, said link element main body includes an inner plate substantially overlying an outer plate with said tongue segment projecting from one end of said inner plate and said groove segment projecting from one end of said outer plate. 
     
     
       14. A grille closure according to claim 13 wherein, said attachment means includes a pair of parallel flanges engaging opposite sides of each end of said panel, and said flanges are attached to said outer plate. 
     
     
       15. A grille closure according to claim 13 wherein, said inner plate includes a central cut-out overlying said outer plate.